Turning 100 next year, Erie Shores started celebrating a little early with the grand opening of its new clubhouse on June 21. Its mature, tree-lined routing, with its gentle elevation changes, makes it an easy walk. With Lake Erie in full view at the start and finish of both nines, it’s a scenic walk as well. Although just 6,145 yards from the tips, the proximity to the lake means that wind can be a regular factor.

Among the top five picks of two of our panel members, 35-year-old Sutton Creek is a parkland layout that plays hard and fast. And if that’s not enough to keep you on your toes, 60 bunkers, seven expansive ponds and the county’s McLean Drain, which winds through the course, all add to the need to be precise. Water embraces the final two greens, including the signature 18th, a reachable par-5 where the putting surface arcs into a pond, with two bunkers also defending par.

There are few comparisons in Canada and nothing like it in Ontario. With its pot bunkers, firm and fast, fescue-lined fairways, and crafty, undulating greens, this creation from English golf architect Martin Hawtree—his only Canadian design—is a throwback to the links found on the Scottish coast, the west of Ireland or the south of England. A short drive southeast of London, it’s an addictive, everchanging, windswept experience. Bring your imagination—and a decent bump-and-run and sand game. Since opening in 2007, Tarandowah has cultivated a great fan base—one that is growing daily.

Situated just south of Cambridge and built upon a former bog, this 1998 David Moote layout required the expertise of a member of the Nature Conservancy of Canada before adding fairways and elevated greens while preserving the integrity of its wetlands. Thirteen holes are influenced by lily ponds and marshes, where a wide array of flora and fauna flourish. Not to be missed is the drive off the golds at No. 7, which must negotiate the crumbling wall of an ancient farmhouse.

Canada’s only municipal Donald Ross golf course (est. 1926), Roseland rests in the heart of Windsor. An elegant layout loyal to its original design, its terrain may be flat, but its greens provide elevation and movement. Typical for Ross designs, putting surfaces are generally pitched from back to front, with multiple tiers, but each is distinct from the rest, with the odd false front contributing to the challenge. The depth of well-placed greenside bunkers adds to the defence of par—although our favourite stretch of sand might be the nefarious fairway bunker that dissects virtually the entire fairway at the par-5 2nd hole, 100 yards from the green. There’s an absolute grind to the three finishing holes, while a nine-hole par-3 course offers a more stress-free walk in the park.

This parkland-style John Robinson design opened in 1992…and it has hardly closed since. Their motto is “No snow, we go!” They even had a full tee sheet this past Christmas day! Despite the constant play, the course is noted for strong conditioning, including its 48 bunkers. Six large ponds come into play on eight holes, including the par-5 2nd, with water guarding the right side of the landing zone and wrapping all the way around the back of the green. Pine Knot also boasts one of the best driving ranges in the London area, as well as a 100-yard short-game area.

Opened in 2008, this head-turning Dick Kirkpatrick creation is situated in a rural farm community, 20 minutes from Woodstock. Encompassing 300 acres and carved through the wooded valleys of Otter, Cedar and Spittler Creeks, the course meanders cleverly over former farmers’ fields and tobacco lands. It stretches to 7,100 yards, but six sets of tees provide plenty of options. The rustic 5,000 sq. ft. clubhouse and 1,500-square-foot patio offer superb views of the 18th hole, which carves through the wooded creek valley. Note that this is a cashless facility.

Celebrating its 100th anniversary, Kingsville, just a 30-minute drive from Point Pelee National Park, is home to more than 200 species of birds and other wildlife, as well as natural historic elements unique to Essex County. There are three nines to choose from. The White course opens with a series of raised tees and greens, followed by five flat holes, before closing with more great movement at the par-3 9th. The Red course makes for the easiest walk, while the Gold course gets the gold medal as the most visually impressive and elegant of the three nines.

About 5 kms north of Highway 401, between Cambridge and London, Innerkip is a warm hug of a course. Measuring 6,432 from the tips, the gently rolling property is easily walked. Trees are more for framing—set well back from landing zones, save for the tight par-5 9th and 15th holes. But this well-maintained design does feature a pair of watery graves: the island green at the par-4 5th; and the par-3 6th and 17th holes, which wrap around opposite sides of a pond and gentle waterfall.